Liverpool manager Arne Slot has opened up on as the club’s preparations as they look to defend their Premier League crown, following an extraordinary summer of investment that has shattered spending records across European football.
The Reds have splashed out more than £250 million on four major acquisitions, eclipsing every other club globally in the transfer window.
Their marquee capture, German midfielder Florian Wirtz, arrived for a British record fee of £116 million, marking what many consider the most significant signing in the club’s contemporary era.
Arne Slot has opened up on Liverpool’s title defence ahead of the new season
|PA
Arne Slot, who stunned the football world by clinching the title in his debut campaign, acknowledged the heightened expectations surrounding his squad.
“I think now we might need more time than we needed last season because the manager changed, but the players stayed the same,” he told talkSPORT.
JUST IN: Manchester United name Carlos Baleba alternative while £70m striker attracts Premier League interest
The Liverpool boss addressed the profound impact of striker Diogo Jota’s tragic passing in a car accident alongside his brother Andre in early July.
The Portuguese forward’s death cast a shadow over the club’s preparations for their title defence.
“When there’s grief or we have to mourn, then this club is also very special,” Slot reflected.
“The players have conducted themselves tremendously in this period of time, but our fans have shown their grief and support to Diogo, his brother and his family as well, in the best possible way.”
The Dutchman anticipates an emotional atmosphere when supporters pay tribute at Anfield’s season opener. “I’m expecting it to be impressive, but also emotional again,” he admitted.
The summer exodus of established stars has presented significant challenges for the reigning champions.
Vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free transfer to Real Madrid left a considerable void in the squad’s leadership and tactical structure.
Slot acknowledged the complexity of replacing departing talent whilst integrating high-profile arrivals.
“We cannot compare Florian Wirtz with any player we’ve got – maybe with Harvey Elliott – but he didn’t play that much last season,” he explained. “And Jeremie Frimpong is a completely, completely different profile to Trent Alexander-Arnold.”
READ MORE: Conor McGregor REMOVED from UFC roster as fighting return cast into doubt
Florian Wirtz signed for Liverpool for a club-record fee
| YouTubeThe manager emphasised that whilst rivals strengthened without losing key personnel, Liverpool faced a different challenge.
“If I’m correct, our main competitors only brought players in and none of their players left. With us, it’s a replacement,” he noted.
Despite the upheaval, Slot expressed confidence in his recruitment. “Very good replacements, by the way,” he assured, whilst acknowledging the adaptation period required for new signings adjusting to Premier League intensity.
The manager identified Chelsea as Liverpool’s principal challengers for the title, praising their Club World Cup triumph.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Liverpool are regarded as one of the favourites to win the league after strengthening their team significantly
| PA“I expected them to win last season already. The amount of quality they have and they were there at the start of the season,” Slot revealed.
“Squad depth, quality, they have a very good manager as well, and I think they’ve shown this by winning the trophies they won last season.”
Regarding fixture congestion, Slot expressed frustration at Liverpool’s early FA Cup exit rather than complaining about the schedule.
“This is one of the nicest things about England that we have these two cups, which are very special in this country, here it really means something,” he stated.
The Dutchman remains ambitious across all competitions, believing players relish regular matches whilst deserving adequate rest periods between campaigns.